Single Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy versus Multi‐Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Human Factor Analysis During the Initial Learning Curve

Background Studies have thus far neglected to evaluate the impact of the da Vinci single port (SP) robotic platform on surgeon experience and operating room efficiency. We sought to assess the effect of the SP platform on surgeon cognitive load measures during robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Methods We prospectively compared the first 20 SP-RALPs performed at our institution to 20 multi-port (MP)-RALPs performed by a single experienced robotic surgeon. Three multi-dimensional assessment tools were used to evaluate mental and surgical workload, teamwork and workflow disruptions. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the MP-RALP and SP-RALP cohorts when evaluated by NASA Task Load Index, Surgery Task Load Index and Observational Teamwork Assessments. Conclusions The SP robotic platform did not adversely affect human factor performance of the surgeon during RALP. Multi-institutional validation will be necessary to confirm these initial findings.